January 8, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to offer my recommendation for Samantha Georgis application for the UNI Overseas Recruiting job fair. I have known her since August 2012 as her social studies methods instructor in the Teacher Preparation Program at Michigan State University. As part of the yearlong course, I supervised Ms. Georgis field placement at Eastern High School in Lansing, MI. Ms. Georgi is exceptionally bright and passionate about interdisciplinary perspectives in social studies education. Ms. Georgi demonstrated great commitment and responsibility in our class. She possesses a strong work ethic; her work was always timely and exceeded expectations. Sam distinguished herself in our class through her content knowledge of the humanities and philosophy. In a field dominated by historians, Sam inspired our class to consider holistic interpretations of history, going beyond the dominant political, military, and economic narratives and expose students to human ideas and beliefs outside these domains, artistic expression, and the comprehensive nature of life. Additionally, Sam excels in developing student-centered lessons that emphasize inquiry. All her lessons guided students to read, interpret, and make meaning for themselves with the support of graphic organizers and visual aids. She is incredibly self-reflective and inquisitive about her practice. On one occasion, her 7 grade students failed a test she designed with her colleagues. Sam demonstrated a high sense of responsibility to the students and reflection on her practice by asking important questions about test design, objectives, and grading, and using this opportunity as a time to grow as an educator.
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College of Education
Department of Teacher Education
Michigan State University Erickson Hall East Lansing, MI 48824-1034 517-353-5091 Fax: 517-432-5092 education.msu.edu/te

I believe Ms. Georgis creativity, passion, and dedication will translate very effectively in teaching overseas. Furthermore, I believe that her collaborative spirit will be an asset in multicultural settings abroad. I offer my highest recommendation for Sam Georgis application. I have no doubt that she will be an outstanding teacher in the United States or abroad.

Sincerely,

Gerardo Aponte-Martinez Instructor

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.